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The weather forecast suggested that Sunday’s Wiggle Magnificat would be a wet affair and they were not wrong. A thoughtful update from event organiser Ken Robson advised that a wet weather/durable tyre would be most suitable for the event, so on Saturday I took the time to put my Vittoria Pave tyres on as I know that they offer me the greatest protection in such conditions.
Up early on Sunday morning my spirits were not high. A mixture of light and quite heavy showers followed me all the way to Newbury Racecourse, the event HQ. The Car Park filled quickly. Obviously us cyclists are made of sterner stuff and a little water wasn’t going to put people off.

After a quick and easy sign on, I was soon en route and once you’re wet, you’re wet right? At last year’s Magnificat I managed to puncture very early on, blowing a hole in the side wall of my tyre in the process. This made for a miserable first 40 miles. This year however, I was prepared and found a decent group of riders to work with for the first 10 miles. We were soon climbing Wallbury Hill. Back in April at the preview ride this climb seemed to go on forever. A week after the Dragon ride was a different story. I was soon over the top and into the rolling Hampshire hills and on towards Stockbridge. The roadside was littered with riders mending punctures.

The rain had washed all sorts of hazardous grit and flint into the road. This was going to be somewhat of a lottery. With the pave’s on my lottery ticket was enhanced, but I was still nervous. Thankfully I arrived at the 40 mile feed station in good shape. I had registered for the 81 mile route, but the feed station was full of riders who had planned to do the full 127 miles. Many were making hasty adjustments to those plans. Some because of the weather, some because they were running out of inner tubes.

I was quickly on my way and was very pleased that although it was still raining, there seemed to be delightful tailwind. I was on my own and I started to focus on what sort of time may be achievable. Gold, I decided, might be on. I was feeling good and passing riders. Just as I was taking some food on I heard the dreaded hiss from below. I couldn’t believe it! Not only a puncture but a sizeable cut into the tread of the front tyre. Thankfully I had learned from last year and I had a “tyre boot” in my pocket. Although it took me a while to carry out an effective repair, I was able to get a decent pressure in the tyre. I had gone 55 miles without issue, but I was still a bit disappointed and it took me a while to get back into my rhythm. Just as I did, it happened again. This time the rear tyre. No damage this time, apart from the blow to my morale. 2 tubes used I only had 1 left and I still had 25 miles to go! First challenge though was the climb to Hannington.

Once again I was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in my climbing skills since April and I was back in goods spirits by the top and enjoyed the banter with the fantastic volunteers at the feed station. With 18 miles left I managed to find a small group and we worked well together averaging over 20mph towards Newbury. Closer to the town, the traffic was bad. Car drivers with complete disregard to cyclists almost resulted in a couple of nasty accidents. Soon the beautiful finishing arch, which was gamely being wrestled back to the ground by a couple of army personnel, was in sight. The ride time on my Garmin told me the actual time I had spent in the saddle would have been good enough for a Gold standard ride. I was elated with that given the challenges that the weather had served up. Punctures are a all part of being a cyclist. You can do all you can to protect yourself, but sometimes the conditions just can’t be helped. The Magnificat has claimed 2 of my Vittoria tyres now, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s all part of the sport for me. Sometimes you get away with it, sometimes the luck just isn’t with you.

Back at the finish area, the poor wiggle staff, who had turned up with the fabulous new event stand were having a tougher battle with the weather and in the end were forced to pack up. The event that Ken and his team had planned didn’t quite materialise. The wind and the rain saw to that. I am full of admiration for anyone who finished the event, especially those who completed the 127 miles. I say a massive thanks to those who provided support to the riders on the day. Hopefully next year it will be sunny. I may even get all the way round without a puncture!
Ride safe!

Rich